Jane E. Kletka

Jane E. Kletka left her earthly home in Bellingham, WA on June 25, 2025. Jane expressed in her own words, “I leave with gratitude and great contentment”. Jane lived life to the fullest up to her last day, sharing her thoughts and poetry from her favorite poet, Mary Oliver.

She was born January 10, 1941 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her parents were Irene Murrie Van de Mark Forman and Walter Jacob Van de Mark.

Jane graduated from South High School, and Grand Rapids Junior College. She received BS in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Christian College while working as an LPN. While living in Anchorage, Alaska, Jane received an AD in Nursing from University of Alaska in 1989. She worked as a Registered Nurse many years and especially enjoyed geriatric nursing.

Jane was an active member of First Christian Church, Bellingham from 1990 to 2022. She served as Elder for two terms and served as Chair of Elders until 2022.

Faith Community Nurse was a role she particularly found fulfilling from 2009 to 2021. She provided health information to the congregation, held End of Life Seminars, and was active in spiritual retreats, community service projects, potlucks, and book groups.

Jane enjoyed travel, reading, private study of various subjects, art, movies, writing, poetry, journaling, and private meditation. She led a Bellingham meditation group from 2019- 2025, beginning at First Christian Church, then Peace Health Cancer Center and later in her home.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and a nephew. She is survived by her sister Shirley Wickering, and three nieces all of Grand Rapids, MI.